What if I tell you that 41.9 million Americans from 22.2 million households received Food Stamps benefits in April 2023 are eligible to get free internet? Know how to get free internet with food stamps or SNAP.
Yes, you heard it right! SNAP or Food Stamps recipients can get free internet connection from authorized providers.
As access to the internet has become an essential part of daily life for many people. It helps connect with friends and family, access educational resources, find employment opportunities, and much more.
However, for low-income individuals and families who depend on food stamps, the cost of internet service can often be a barrier.
Fortunately, there are several government programs and ISPs offering discounted or free internet with food stamps benefits.
Let’s check out how one can get free internet with SNAP benefits or EBT card.
How does Food Stamps Help to Get Free Internet?
Food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits, can be a valuable resource for individuals and families in need of internet.
One of the lesser-known benefits of Food Stamps is its ability to help individuals access free or discounted internet services.
By qualifying for SNAP or other assistance programs, individuals may have the opportunity to obtain low-cost or even free internet service.
Government programs like ACP, Lifeline, EBB, and participating internet service providers offer discounted internet connections to SNAP recipients.
Now, let’s have a brief look at available programs through which any eligible Food Stamps holder can receive free internet assistance.
Programs to Get Free Internet with Food Stamps
There are several noteworthy programs that enable SNAP beneficiaries to access free or subsidized internet services. Let’s delve into the details of key programs that offer free internet with Food Stamps.
Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making communications services more affordable for low-income consumers.
By participating in the Lifeline program, eligible individuals can receive a free smartphone and wireless phone service. It also includes free data and a monthly allocation for calls and texts.
For individuals on Food Stamps, Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on broadband.
It ensures that eligible households can afford the internet service they need for tasks such as job searching, completing homework, or accessing health care.
ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a long-term initiative aimed at ensuring affordable internet access for individuals and families. It provides a $30 per month discount on high-speed internet service through participating internet providers.
Low income individuals who participate in federal assistance programs like SNAP/EBT (Food Stamps), can qualify for the ACP and receive low cost or free internet service.
By leveraging the ACP, food stamps recipients can access the internet for work, school, and other essential needs without the burden of high costs.
List of ISPs Offering High-speed Internet for Free to Food Stamps Users
Let’s take a closer look at various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer high-speed internet to users of Food Stamps, at no cost. These ISPs, in collaboration with federal programs, play a significant role in digital inclusivity, ensuring that low-income households remain connected in our increasingly digital world.
Explore the list below to find an ISP that fits your needs:
1) Allo Communications
Allo Communications is an authorized provider of the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). As a part of this program, they offer free internet service to qualifying customers who receive Food Stamps benefits.
Through the ACP, eligible customers can enjoy ALLO’s reliable 100 Mbps internet service at no cost. And if you’re interested in additional services like ALLO TV or Phone, they also provide a $30 monthly ACP discount on higher speed options such as 500 Mbps, 1 GIG, or 2.3 GIG internet plans.
2) AltaFiber
AltaFiber offers a range of internet plans with varying speeds and features.
Being an authorized provider of ACP, AltaFiber offers free 100Mbps Fioptics Internet along with ACP’s $30 credit per month. With the ACP credit applied, the monthly cost for AltaFiber’s is almost $0.
AltaFiber also offers bundled packages that combine internet and basic TV services. The lowest-priced internet service starts at $29.99 when bundled with basic TV, and to qualify for a $24.99 internet price, bundling with basic TV is required.
Additionally, AltaFiber has other offers such as triple play bundles, which include 400Mbps internet, basic TV, and home phone services starting at $19.99 per month when bundled.
It’s important to note that these prices and offers may be subject to certain conditions, such as subscribing to eBill or bundling specific services.
3) Optimum
Optimum is an active participant in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
If you’re eligible, you may qualify for free 300 Mbps Internet with the ACP. This program is available to both new and current Optimum customers and can be applied to any Optimum Internet plan.
To get started, you need to verify your eligibility and ensure that the person who gets verified is the Optimum account owner. If you’re already an Optimum customer, you can proceed to enroll. Once approved, you’ll see the credit within two bills.
It’s important to note that availability may vary by area, and WiFi speeds may vary as well.
4) Astound
With the ACP, eligible households can receive up to $30 per month off their Astound Broadband home internet and/or mobile data services. This benefit can be applied to any of their current internet plans, helping to lower your monthly cost and make internet access more accessible.
Getting started is easy. Simply enter your address to check if their services are available in your area.
They offer a range of internet plans, including speeds up to 1500 Mbps. Whether you’re working from home, schooling from home, or enjoying some downtime, they have an option that suits your needs.
To qualify for the ACP benefit, first, verify and qualify by entering your address. If eligible, the company will contact you by phone to choose your internet plan.
Finally, once approved, you’ll enjoy up to $30 off your monthly bill.
5) AT&T
Stay connected with AT&T’s Free Internet through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible households can save up to $30 per month off their internet or wireless service, and up to $75 per month if residing on qualifying Tribal lands.
If you are eligible and approved for the ACP, you can apply your ACP benefit to an AT&T service.
Make sure to have your ACP application ID ready and follow the specific steps for the service you wish to use. You can apply the benefit to AT&T Internet, Wireless, Prepaid services, or even bundle AT&T Fiber® with an AT&T unlimited wireless plan to save an additional $20 per month.
For internet service, you can save $30 per month and enjoy speeds up to 100Mbps, with limited availability in certain areas.
Existing customers can apply the ACP benefit to their current AT&T Internet service, while new customers can check the availability of services at their address.
6) Xfinity’s Internet Essentials
Xfinity Internet Essentials is providing fast and reliable internet at an affordable price. For just $9.95 per month, you can enjoy home internet, including equipment, with no credit check or cancellation fee.
Internet Essentials has been connecting over 10 million low-income households for over 10 years, offering speeds of up to 50 Mbps. This reliable internet service is perfect for online learning, remote work, video calling, and other essential activities.
To qualify for Internet Essentials, you must live in an area where Xfinity Internet service is available. You may also be eligible if you participate in assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, or enrolled or enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with Xfinity.
If you haven’t had Xfinity Internet in the last 90 days, you may qualify unless enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program. It’s important to note that outstanding debt on any Comcast account less than one year old may affect your eligibility, unless you’re enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
For those who require more speed, Xfinity offers Internet Essentials Plus. With double the speed, up to 100 Mbps, and free equipment, you can enhance your online experience for $29.95 per month.
Enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program can further benefit you. If you get Internet Essentials and enroll in the ACP, you may receive your Internet service for free as your ACP credit would cover your Internet Essentials bill.
7) Frontier
Frontier’s Affordable Connectivity Program allows eligible households to access the internet they need for work, healthcare, school, and more at a significantly reduced cost.
Through this government assistance program, qualifying households can enjoy free or low-cost internet service with credits of up to $30 per month.
Individuals can follow a simple process to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. They start by submitting an application, and Frontier will guide them through each step to ensure a smooth experience.
Once the application is submitted, Frontier verifies eligibility with the Federal Government to confirm approval. After approval, applicants can contact Frontier at (844) 950-1082 to determine if their address is serviceable by Frontier and choose the internet plan that suits their needs.
With the ACP credit, individuals can save on various Frontier internet plans. Here are examples of monthly prices, ACP credits, and resulting monthly payments:
- Frontier Essentials Internet: Monthly current price $29.99, Monthly ACP credit -$29.99, Monthly payment $0.
- Fiber 100: Monthly current price $29.99, Monthly ACP credit -$29.99, Monthly payment $0.
- Fiber 500: Monthly current price $39.99, Monthly ACP credit -$30.00, Monthly payment $9.99.
- Fiber 1 Gig: Monthly current price $59.99, Monthly ACP credit -$30.00, Monthly payment $29.99.
- Fiber 2 Gig: Monthly current price $99.99, Monthly ACP credit -$30.00, Monthly payment $69.99.
- Fiber 5 Gig: Monthly current price $154.99, Monthly ACP credit -$30.00, Monthly payment $124.99.
It’s important to note that these prices reflect wired speeds, and actual Wi-Fi and average speeds may vary.
Frontier Lifeline Services is another program available for low-income consumers. This Federal Communications Commission initiative aims to make communication services more affordable. Individuals receiving a Lifeline benefit automatically qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program and can enjoy both benefits simultaneously.
8) Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to making affordable internet accessible to many people. They offer various programs and plans providing low-cost or free internet options for eligible individuals and families.
For individuals on a tight budget, Cox offers the ConnectAssist plan. This plan is ideal for moderate web surfing, email, and social networking, and it provides up to 100 Mbps download speeds. It includes a free Wi-Fi modem rental and easy self-installation at no charge.
The monthly cost for this plan is $30, and customers can also receive an ACP bill credit up to $30 per month.
Families with children can benefit from the Connect2Compete program. This plan also offers up to 100 Mbps download speeds, a free Wi-Fi modem rental, and easy self-installation at no charge.
It is designed for moderate web surfing, email, social networking, and homework for students.
The monthly cost for this plan is $9.95, and eligible customers can receive an ACP bill credit up to $30 per month.
Cox also offers the StraightUp Internet plan, which allows customers to prepay for their internet service on a month-to-month basis.
For a flat fee of $50 per month, customers can enjoy up to 100 Mbps download speeds, a free Wi-Fi modem, and easy self-installation at no charge.
This plan is ideal for light web surfing, email, and social networking.
Eligible customers can receive an ACP bill credit up to $30 per month.
9) Specturm
Spectrum’s Affordable Connectivity Program, a government-sponsored initiative that can help eligible households save up to $30 per month on their Internet service.
With the stimulus Internet credit, customers can enjoy Spectrum Internet’s benefits while keeping more money in their pockets every month.
Spectrum offers a range of internet speeds, from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, to accommodate different needs and preferences. And with Spectrum, customers can experience in-home WiFi service, receive a free modem and Security Suite, and enjoy the convenience of no data caps or contracts.
Below are the different internet plans with ACP discounts:
- Spectrum Internet 100 $29.99/m – $30 ACP/m = $0
- Spectrum Internet $49.99/m – $30 ACP/m = $19.99/mo with AutoPay
- Spectrum Internet Ultra $69.99/m – $30 ACP/m = $39.99/mo with AutoPay
- Spectrum Internet Gig $89.99 – $30 ACP/m = $59.99/mo with AutoPay
They have partnerships with local schools and organizations to support students with subsidized internet and computers.
10) Verizon
Verizon is offering free home internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Verizon Forward Program. Whether a customer is new or existing, they can check if they qualify for these programs and enjoy the benefits of Verizon’s services.
Each household is eligible for one program discount, and the discount expires when the FCC terminates the program.
The Verizon Forward Program is a limited-time offer available to eligible residential customers who have applied for the ACP and subscribed to an LTE Home, 5G Home, or Fios Mix & Match internet plan. It may not be combined with all other offers and is only available in select areas.
Verizon takes care of upfront fees and setup charges, waiving them for customers who enroll in the ACP within 60 days of service installation. If any setup charges were billed to the customer, they will receive a bill credit.
With Verizon Home Internet, customers can enjoy the benefits of no annual contracts, hidden fees, equipment charges, or data caps.
Customers can follow a simple three-step process to get started with free internet from Verizon. First, they need to check if they qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). If eligible, they automatically qualify for the Verizon Forward Program. Second, customers can check if Verizon Home Internet is available in their area. Lastly, after installation, they can contact Verizon to activate their discounts.
Besides these ten popular providers, many other alternative providers are available that you can turn to get free internet with Food Stamps benefits. It includes:
- Breezeline
- Comporium
- IdeaTek
- Jackson Energy Authority
- MediaCom
- MLGC
- Starry
- Vermont Telephone Company
- Vexus Fiber
- Wow!
General Eligibility Criteria to Get Internet for Free with SNAP Benefits
To qualify for this program, your household must meet certain requirements. It includes:
- Income that is 200% or less than the federal poverty guidelines.
- Participation in other assistance programs such as, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.
- Participation in Tribal-specific programs like Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
- Students who receive Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program benefits, including at USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- Students who received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
How to Find the Best Free Internet Deals with Food Stamps?
If you receive SNAP benefits, and are looking for the best free internet deals, there are several options available to you. You need to consider below things:
- Look for reputable ISPs: Explore well-known providers like T-Mobile, Spectrum, Cox, and AT&T, as they may offer free internet plans for eligible individuals.
- Compare deals: Compare the offered deals from different ISPs, considering factors such as internet speed, data limits, and additional benefits like discounted devices or tablet/laptop offers.
- Check service coverage: Ensure that the ISP’s service coverage is available in your area to guarantee reliable connectivity.
- Understand the application process: Familiarize yourself with the application process, required documents, and any fees associated with activation.
- Research customer support: Research the quality of the ISP’s customer support and technical assistance to ensure prompt and reliable assistance when needed.
- Review terms and limitations: Carefully review the terms of the free internet plan, including any limitations, duration, and potential changes that may apply.
- Look for additional benefits: Some ISPs may provide extra benefits like educational resources, WiFi hotspots, or digital literacy programs. Consider these additional offerings when making your decision.
- Consider participant feedback: Review feedback from current participants to gauge the quality and reliability of the chosen ISP’s services.
FAQs about Free Internet with Food Stamps
Can I Get Free Internet with SNAP benefits or Food Stamps?
Yes, you can get free Internet if you are a Food Stamp recipient. Several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer affordable, and even free internet plans for individuals eligible for the programs like ACP and Lifeline.
How Can I Find Out if I Qualify for Free Internet with SNAP?
You can start by checking with your local SNAP state directory for information on available programs. Besides it, reaching out to internet service providers directly or visiting their websites can provide details on eligibility requirements and application processes.
Are there any Limitations with Free Internet Plans for Food Stamp Recipients?
Yes, there may be limitations with free internet plans for Food Stamp recipients, including possible data caps, and the speed of the internet service provided. Specifics vary based on the ISP and program conditions.
How do I Apply for Internet for Free with Food Stamps?
To apply for free internet with Food Stamps, you need to contact eligible Internet Service Providers (ISPs) directly or visit their websites. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and guide you through the process. Make sure to prepare all the required documentation, including proof of your Food Stamp eligibility.
What if I don’t have Access to the Internet to Complete the Application Process?
If you lack internet access to complete the application process, consider using public access points such as libraries or community centers. Alternatively, you could call the ISP’s customer service for assistance.
Conclusion
In brief, this was all about Free internet with Food stamps and how it works to bridge the digital divide. By utilizing these sources, eligible low-income individuals can save $$ to $$$ every month, which they can spend on other necessary basic needs.
Therefore, if you are struggling to afford internet services, do not hesitate to explore these options. Get in touch with your local SNAP state directory or reach out to eligible ISPs directly for more information and application processes.
Stay connected and informed without breaking the bank!
